Meanwhile, Scripps was controlled by a family trust until weeks ago, when the last direct descendant of the founder died and the trust turned into a partnership with new rules for those who want to trade their shares.

CEO Ken Lowe downplayed any likelihood of a sale in the near term.

It was business as usual, he said.

When asked for an update on the status of Tribune’s bankruptcy, Scripps CFO Joseph NeCastro said: “I’m hoping to see an exit not in the fourth quarter, but in the first quarter of next year.”